Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Severe COPD in Izmir, Turkey
Gulrü Erbay
Department of Chest Diseases, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Ceyda Anar
Department of Chest Diseases, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Gunes Senol *
Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Can Bicmen
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Yusuf Pinar
Department of Chest Diseases, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
Melih Buyuksirin
Department of Chest Diseases, Izmir Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study is documenting the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus infections in hospitalized patients with AE-COPD in autumn and winter months.
Study Design: The study was designed as a prospective cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study: September 2006 and February 2007, Izmir, Turkey.
Methodology: Severe AE-COPD patients were studied by ready to use real time-PCR system and micro ELISA RSV and Influenza IGM and IgG antibody detection systems.
Results: Fifty AE-COPD cases enrolled to the study. Influenza and RSV were detected in 13 (26%) and 12 (24%) patients, respectively. Seven (14%) bacterial agents (4 P. aeruginosa, 2 S. pneumoniae, 1 E. coli) were isolated from patients with viral infections.
Conclusion: Influenza viruses and RSV are important causative viral agents of AE-COPD. PCR and serological methods were decided to be used together for diagnosis of viral AE-COPD.
Keywords: COPD, influenza, PCR, RSV, serology